Los Angeles

Playboy Model Sentenced to Probation, Graffiti Removal in Gym Body Shaming Case

The 2015 Playmate of the Year was roundly criticized for the so-called body shaming incident.

A Playboy centerfold who ignited a backlash of criticism when she secretly snapped a photo of a naked 71-year-old woman in a locker room and posted it online mocking the woman's body entered a plea of no contest Wednesday in court to resolve the criminal charge.

Dani Mathers showed up in Los Angeles County Superior Court on a misdemeanor charge of invasion of privacy. She pleaded no contest and was placed on three years probation.

She also must do 30 days of graffiti removal as community service.

Mathers, 30, has apologized for taking the photo at an LA Fitness club in July and posting it on Snapchat with the caption: "If I can't unsee this then you can't either."

The posting was accompanied by a selfie of Mathers in a tank top with her hand over her mouth as if she's gasping in horror.

The 2015 Playmate of the Year was roundly criticized for the so-called body shaming incident. Mathers said she intended to send the photo privately to a friend and accidentally posted it publicly.

Defense lawyer Dana Cole argued unsuccessfully that the charge should be dismissed because the woman in the photo can't easily be identified.

The victim, who has not been named, was expected to testify if the case went to trial, said Rob Wilcox, a spokesman for the Los Angeles city attorney.

Cole said earlier that he was hoping to work out a settlement Wednesday. He said prosecutors wanted a guilty plea and community service on a highway crew. Wilcox said no plea deal has been offered.

Deputy City Attorney Chadd Kim did not return phone and email messages seeking comment, but in court papers said Mathers had shown no remorse and needed to face consequences for her "cruel and criminal act."

The defense has argued for a more lenient outcome, saying in court papers that Mathers has already lost modeling work and a job as a radio host. They have recommended she use her notoriety to bring attention to the issue of body shaming.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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